At a Glance

Follow in the footsteps of the famous Lake District poets and writers as you explore one of the most unspoiled corners of England. Discover the landscapes that inspired writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, visit their homes to view their private collections, and immerse yourself in the culture and history of this beautiful region. Cross to the wild North East Cheviot Mountains and coastline to “Border Reiver” country and learn the history of the Roman Hadrian’s Wall.

Activity Level

Moderate

Some walking and standing up to two hours, some uneven surfaces and stairs in historic buildings.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you'll ...

Join an expert for an exploration of the Pennington family home, Muncaster Castle.

Cross the highest roads in England and see the Cumbrian coast, once home to Capt. John Paul Jones.

Explore the beauty of the Northumberland Coast and learn about the spiritual history of Holy Island, or Lindisfarne.

Suggested Reading List

View 9 books

Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales

by Beatrix Potter

This complete and unabridged collection contains all 23 of Beatrix Potter's Tales in one deluxe volume with all their original illustrations. A perfect gift to introduce children to the world of Beatrix Potter, the Complete Tales is also an ideal christening present; traditional and timeless, it's a classic for any nursery shelf.

Swallows and Amazons

by Arthur Ransome

The wholesome story of four young children, John, Susan, Titty and Roger, who set out in their boat (the Swallow of the title) to an island of adventure. All seems well until they encounter their enemy. At first they are angry at the invasion of their peaceful haven by these Amazon pirates, Nancy and Peggy, who claim ownership of the land. But in time a truce is called and the Swallows and Amazons become firm friends. Camping under open skies, swimming in clear water, fishing, exploring and making discoveries is the stuff of dreams which serves to make this so charming a tale. The author manages to capture the innocence of a time when all this was real and possible. Swallows and Amazons will transport children to a fantastical place where they can play safely and roam freely, without an adult in sight.

Beatrix Potter: Her Lakeland Years

by W.R.Mitchell

This is the compelling story of the real Beatrix Potter, based on interviews with those who knew her. Spread over the 40 years that the author edited "Cumbria Magazine", these interviews recall memories stretching back to the time when Beatrix bought the now famous Hill Top farm at Sawrey in the heart of Lakeland. She was already internationally acclaimed for her series of 'Peter Rabbit' books and her local status was increased when she married William Heelis, a Hawkshead solicitor. The books gave her the means to purchase over 4,000 acres of land, which on her death in 1943 was bequeathed to the National Trust as her personal legacy to the Lake District. The many archive and present-day photographs in this fully illustrated book place a new light on the Lakeland years of Beatrix Potter. Pride of place is given to the breed of sheep that she did so much to foster - her beloved Herdwicks.

A Walker's Notebook

by Alfred Wainwright

Published to coincide with the centenary of Wainwright's birth its small flexi format, with its splashproof cover, makes it ideal for slipping in a pocket and taking along with you. Whether a Sunday afternoon jaunt close to home or a hill walk on holiday, A Walker's Notebook has space to record details of nearly 100 walks including dates, routes, companions and what you experienced on the way. Also included are pages to make notes of favourite pubs, cafes and places to stay.
Illustrated throughout with charming illustrations by A. Wainwright

Hadrian's Wall: History and Guide

by Guy de la Bedoyere

Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast and reaching a height of about 13 feet, Hadrian's Wall should have been counted as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today, a World Heritage site, it stands as the most imposing monument north of the Alps and attracts millions of visitors a year. Yet, despite all the excavation and research that has been carried out, this is the first detailed guide to be written for many years. Having first dealt with the practical questions of transport, clothing and maps, Guy de la Bedoyere explains why and how the Wall was constructed. With the help of almost 100 sketch maps, drawings and photographs, he then conducts the visitor, stage by stage, along the full length of the Wall, providing map locations, route and parking instructions, details of access and opening times, and a full account of everything that can be seen. He also covers the outpost forts, the forts and settlements to the rear (South Shields, Corbridge and Vindolanda) and the local museums which house so many of the artefacts discovered along the Wall. This indispensable guide-book concludes with a list of dates, a glossary and a summary of all the key sources.

The Good Guide to the Lakes

by Tom Holman and Hunter Davies

Revised and expanded edition of the bestselling guide to Lakeland. 'The Good Guide is the answer to every tourist's prayer, a comprehensive assessment which treads on toes as well as sparking off satisfied grins.' Lakescene 'I think he was most unfair to Barrow.' Town Clerk, Barrow 'You'll wonder how you managed without it.' Yorkshire Post Life is too short, holidays too precious, to waste time going to places which turn out draggy or boring. So the object is very simple - to guide you to all that is best to see and do in Lakeland, from mountains and lakes and walks to museums, hotels, restaurants and the latest tourist attractions. Amazing how each year new wonders appear, new places pop up, new services get offered. Also things close, go off, disappear. So it's vital, if you are one of Lakeland's 24 million visitors a year, to be as up to date, up to scratch as possible. Note well that this book contains no advertising, no payments have been received, unlike some guide books we could mention. And also that it has been written and researched here in Cumbria.

The Reivers: The Story of the Border Reivers

by Alistair Moffat

Only one period in history is immediately, indelibly and uniquely linked to the whole area of the Scottish and English Border country, and that is the time of the Reivers. Whenever anyone mentions 'Reiver', no-one hesitates to add 'Border'. It is an inextricable association, and rightly so. Nowhere else in Britain in the modern era, or indeed in Europe, did civil order break down over such a wide area, or for such a long time. For more than a century the hoof-beats of countless raiding parties drummed over the border. From Dumfriesshire to the high wastes of East Cumbria, from Roxburghshire to Redesdale, from the lonely valley of Liddesdale to the fortress city of Carlisle, swords and spears spoke while the law remained silent. Fierce family loyalty counted for everything while the rules of nationality counted for nothing.The whole range of the Cheviot Hills, its watershed ridges and the river valleys which flowed out of them became the landscape of larceny while Maxwells, Grahams, Fenwicks, Carletons, Armstrongs and Elliots rode hard and often for plunder. These were the Riding Times and in modern European history, they have no parallel. This book tells the remarkable story of the Reivers and how they made the Borders.

Lindisfarne: The Cradle Island

by Magnus Magnusson

Lindisfarne has captured the imagination of visitors and residents alike for decades. Also know as 'Holy Island', the rich and eventful history of the area is explored in great depth in this fascinating account. The author takes us on a journey to 'the cradle island' - the ancient shrine of Celtic Christianity - to reveal the treasures of the island. He tells the story of people and nature from the beginning to the present day, exploring the natural history and archaeology of the region.

Beatrix Potter's Lakeland

by Hunter Davies

Reissued with Beatrix Potter illustrations and previously unpublished materials, this book combines authoritative text with colour photographs taken during the course of a complete year to show the Lake District in all its seasons and moods.

Lunch: Lunch will be taken in the hotel with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages will be available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free time to check-in and unpack at the hotel before a pre-dinner Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. This program is staffed with a Group Leader, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal with logistics, lecture, conduct field trips and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: A served three-course dinner in the hotel with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages will be available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure to relax and prepare for the program ahead.

DAY

3

Wordworth's Dove Cottage

Bowness on Windermere.

B,L,D

Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel

Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast buffet in the hotel. A wide range of hot and cold options, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices.

Morning: Depart the hotel by mini coach after breakfast and drive to the picturesque village of Grasmere. Here we visit Dove cottage, home of William Wordsworth, Britain’s most famous ‘Romantic Poet’, and have a guided exploration of the museum and study centre with its world famous collection of manuscripts. We then continue on to Keswick and the ancient stone circle at Castlerigg, before we stop for lunch.

Lunch: Lunch will be served in a local restaurant in Keswick.

Afternoon: This afternoon we continue to Borrowdale, via Ashness Bridge, ascend the Honister Pass and see Buttermere, as your Group Leader provides expert commentary.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

4

Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth's Rydal Mount

Bowness on Windermere.

B,L,D

Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Leaving at 9am, we drive to the Armitt Museum, in Ambleside. We'll explore this unique collection compiled by two Victorian sisters, and see at first hand the watercolour paintings of Beatrix Potter, once displayed at the Tate Gallery in London. Following this we drive to Grasemere, where you will have some free time for independent exploration.

Lunch: Taken at The Grasmere Garden Centre.

Afternoon: The field trip continues with the Beatrix Potter theme, by visiting Wray Castle and its grounds, Hill Top House (home of Beatrix Potter) and the quintessential Lakeland village of Hawkshead. We then continue to Rydal Mount, the final home of William Wordsworth, for an expert led exploration and poetry reading.

Dinner: Dinner will served at Rydal Mount.

Evening: At leisure after we return to the hotel.

DAY

5

Hardnott Pass, Muncaster Castle

Bowness on Windermere.

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Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Today is a day of high adventure, leaving the hotel we head for the hills, along the Little Langdale Valley and up into the mountains. We will drive up the famous Hardknott Pass and here, for those adventurous enough, we can inspect the mountain top Hardknott Roman Fort.

Lunch: Taken in Muncaster Castle.

Afternoon: This afternoon, a local expert takes us around the historic home of the Pennington family, Muncaster Castle. We then return to the hotel over Corney Fell to Coniston.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

6

Steam Boat Cruise

Bowness on Windermere.

B,L,D

Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel

Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: We gather at 9am and drive to Tarn Hows, often referred to as the ‘Prettiest lake in England’, then on to Brantwood House, home of the Pre-Raphaelite supporter and early ecologist John Ruskin. Here you will have time to explore the wonderful house and gardens, after which we'll take a short cruise on the beautiful lake adjacent to the property.

Lunch: Taken at the Blue Bird Cafe on Coniston Waters.

Afternoon: From here we explore Coniston Water and the Duddon Valley, topic of Wordsworth’s sonnets; and then into Langdale and to the Hotel.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

7

Free Day

Bowness on Windermere.

B,D

Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Free day with transport available to take you into the village of Bowness and a pass to cruise the length of Lake Windermere.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Free time for independent exploration.

Dinner: A served dinner in the hotel as we bid farewell to the Lakes.

Evening: At leisure to prepare for tomorrow's transfer.

DAY

8

Transfer to Otterburn, Carlisle

Otterburn

B,L,D

Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Today we transfer by mini coach to the Otterburn Tower Hotel, but first we take a scenic drive to Carlisle, via Troutbeck and Ullswater. At Carlisle we visit the award winning Tullie House Museum, with its collection of Roman and Border Reiver relics.

Lunch: Lunch will be taken at Tullie House.

Afternoon: We continue to Otterburn via Lannercost and Bank Turret. We will arrive at Otterburn in plenty of time to settle in.

Dinner: A served three-course dinner in the hotel with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages will be available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

9

The Abbey Town of Jedburgh

Otterburn

B,L,D

Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel

Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast buffet in the hotel. A wide range of hot and cold options, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices

Morning: We will board the mini coach and head for the Scottish Borders, where we'll enjoy some very spectacular scenery. We'll travel through Kielder Forest and pay a visit to the Hunting Lodge and 13th century Hermitage Castle.

Lunch: Lunch will be taken in Jedburgh.

Afternoon: The field trip continues in the abbey town of Jedburgh, where you will be free to explore independently. You may wish to visit Mary Queen of Scots House, the Norman Abbey, Victorian Castle and Jail. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Dinner: A served three-course dinner in the hotel with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages will be available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

10

Lindisfarne, The Northumberland Coast

Otterburn

B,L,D

Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Today we go to the cradle of British Christianity, to Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. Cut off from the mainland by tides, we cross the causeway to the village and are free to explore the abbey, the church, the castle and take a coastal walk.

Lunch: Taken at the Barn at Beal.

Afternoon: The afternoon takes us along the scenic Northumberland Coastal Route, taking in castles, such as Bamburgh with its ‘Grace Darling’ Life Boat Museum. We'll then head to the fishing village of Seahouses, before making our way back to the hotel via Alnick.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Enjoy a lecture on the Roman Occupation, in preparation for our day at Hadrian's Wall.

DAY

11

Wallington Hall, Kielder Water

Otterburn

B,L,D

Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Our day starts with a journey across the moors on a scenic drive to Kielder Water and Black Midden fortified house, before heading to the ancestral home of the Trevelyan family, Wallington Hall. There are over 100 acres of gardens, including a wonderful walled garden and lake, and the house itself.

Lunch: Taken in Wallington Hall.

Afternoon: After Wallington Hall return to the hotel passing Winters Gibbett on the way.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: After dinner we have a talk with an expert about the turbulent times in the Scottish borders from the 13th century to the reign of Elizabeth 1st.

DAY

12

Hadrian's Wall

Otterburn

B,L,D

Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Today is a full day spent learning just how the Romans lived in the region, and visiting Hadrian's Wall - a world heritage site. We follow the old Stanegate Road close to the Roman wall, before stopping at Vindolanda for a discussion with one of the team of archaeologists currently excavating the site.

Lunch: Lunch will be taken at Vindolanda.

Afternoon: After lunch we head for the wall itself, visiting several sections - Mile Castle 42 and Steel Rigg - with opportunities to walk along the wall itself.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

13

Transfer to Manchester & The Cathedral City of Durham

Manchester

B,L,D

Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We leave Otterburn by mini coach, and drive to the great city of Durham. Stopping near the Cathedral, one of the most spectacular in the UK, we'll have time to visit explore this architectural masterpiece, famous for St Cuthbert’s burial place behind the high altar.

Lunch: Taken in the Cathedral Undercroft.

Afternoon: Free time in Durham before the transfer continues on to Manchester.

Dinner: A served three-course dinner in the hotel with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages will be available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

14

Program Concludes

In Flight

B

Breakfast: In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast.

Morning: Shuttle bus to Manchester Airport for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

35 Meals

12 Breakfasts

11 Lunches

12 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Vegetarian, Low Salt, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

A classic Lakeland country house hotel set in 6 acres of its own private garden. It was once a holiday home for the Potter family and then the permanent residence of Beatrix's mother, Mrs Helen Potter. Lindeth Howe is a tranquil place to relax and enjoy yourself, with breathtaking views to admire from the lounges and sun terrace. Lindeth Howe sits in the heart of the National Park overlooking the largest lake in the country, Lake Windermere.

The unique Otterburn Tower Country House Hotel and award winning restaurant is located in the beautiful Redesdale valley in rural Northumberland, Northern England, The original building dates back to the 11th century as a castle founded by a cousin of William the Conqueror. The Otterburn Tower nestles in 32 acres of its own estate, fronted by terraced lawns and surrounded by woodland. The gardens stretch down to the village of Otterburn with all the facilities close by. The hotel is beautifully restored with the original features of oak panelling, leaded panes and stained glass.

The Borderlands are where it's at! Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans, Scots and Brits all have had their turns dominating the action here where The South meets The North, and as you visit key sites you can feel the human intensity of their participation. It adds up to a great big story.

Wonderful trip! Absolutely gorgeous countryside and a wonderful mix of sights-- everything from Roman ruins, to castles and gardens to places with Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth connections. It was lambing season so we were endlessly entertained by adorable lambs and their mothers. It was great being in only two hotels and I loved the small group size of 14. It was a terrific group of people. Especially loved some of the "special" features like having dinner in Wordsworth's home; the private tour and lunch at Muncaster Castle with one of the owners; and a terrific lecture on Beatrix Potter at the Armit Library and Museum. Food was much better than I expected and there were lots of choices and no buffets which I loved. I felt the trip was a very good value. Only warning is the activity level is much higher than "moderate". I would put it at "active" as there are many days when you will be walking a lot on uneven surfaces and on steep inclines. There are also a lot of places (including the hotels) that have a lot of stairs. I have taken trips listed as "active" and this trip was at least as active as they were. All in all a terrific trip which I would highly recommend to anyone.

If you've ever thought about visiting The Lake District in England and/or Hadrian's Wall, you would be hard-pressed to find a better tour than the one Road Scholar offers. Scenery, history,accommodations and group leaders were all fabulous!

My husband and I highly recommend this program. It was such a delight to stay in just two places -- the hotel that had once been a vacation home for Beatrix Potter and her family and also an 11th century castle hotel. Peter and Jim were outstanding driver/guides, the places we visited were very interesting, and the food was excellent. In short, if you have an interest in literature, history and seeing some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world, don't miss this trip!

Guides Jim and Peter were fantastic! They were knowledgeable and passionate and humorous, too! This was a mind-blowing experience. Do some research on the subjects beforehand; you'll get so much more out of it.

The places visited and the activities are very interesting and varied. The group leaders are excellent--knowledgeable and caring. If you're interested in the Lake District and the north of England, this is the trip for you.

We were lucky enough to have perfect weather for this program. The varied itinerary includes handling Neolithic axes, sitting on Stone Circle stones, strolling through beautiful Victorian gardens, watching birds of prey swooping overhead, inspecting treasures at Roman ruins and medieval castles, cruising in a Victorian gondola and visiting a holy island. Food and accommodations were very good. The staff at Otterburn Castle coddled us like family. One caution: walking is often uphill on rough ground. The activity level is greater than moderate.
Penny

We found this program to be excellent on all counts. The sites visited ranged from the homes of the romantic poets in the Lake District to castles and Roman ruins in Northumbria. These sites were all reached by reasonable small bus rides through scenic countrysides and from just two "home" bases that provided gourmet quality dining. Our driver and guide, Peter Hudson was outstanding in communicating his knowledge of the regions we toured. Our group was small (14) and very compatible. We would highly recommend this program.

This was a terrific program! When we travel, we like to see as much as possible, and this program provided us with the perfect opportunity to do just that, but at a leisurely and manageable pace. The sites we visited were diverse in terms of their importance and appeal. Our leader, Jim Whitworth, was very knowledgeable, friendly, a good driver, and went out of his way to ensure that our holiday was the best it could be. Every day was well-organized and exceeded our expectations. The accommodations, particularly Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, were convenient and comfortable. You could tell that Mountain Goat had put a great deal of thought and effort into planning the perfect trip. Jim and the other guest speakers used every opportunity to introduce us to various aspects of the Lake District and Northumberland, from plants, fossils and geographical features to historical events and the derivations of words in our language that are associated with events in English history. They were fascinating to listen to. Suzanne and Betsy Butler

I think we former colonials have been around long enough for the English at high level hotels and manor houses to realize that those of us who drink coffee in the morning want it ready and waiting when we arrive in the dining room.
We also expect that food and drink orders are to be taken from women before the men. These two American cultural quirks have not apparently caught on at Lindeth Manor House or Ottoburn Castle House